Almost 20 years since construction, the owners of this 10th level apartment commissioned an internal overhaul. The clients love the view from the unit which overlooks the ever changing mouth of the Maroochy river. We opted for an approach which featured a layout and material selection that did not dominate, but rather sit humbly in the background of the epic view.

With limited layout options due to existing structure of the building, we stripped back the unit and resurfaced all elements and introduced key joinery, lighting and furniture selections. We were still able to make slight tweaks to the wall layout resulting in large impact - most notably in the kitchen. An inefficient storage room was converted into a butlers pantry and gentle curves were implemented to open the kitchen towards the view.

Lighting was a major consideration and varies between key direct lighting for gallery artwork, to soft indirect washing of ceilings to ease the transition from external light to interior spaces.

GCC were seeking a facility to nurture local language and culture in the school community. The building allows local elders to visit the college and spend time with students to share and pass down to the younger generations.

The Indigenous population in Normanton includes members of the Kukatj, Gkuthaarn and Kurtijar peoples. One key feature of the land is the river system. Rather than a map of roads, a large map of the waterways was etched onto an acoustic board to allow teaching to occur about river people country.

A tight budget meant finding efficiencies wherever possible. A simplified roof profile was used in combination with variations in ceiling profile to define space. Material, angle and height varied in each ceiling to define and curate the activities in each area.

DESCRIPTION

NCC Administration is a project that aimed to not only expand the administration accommodation for staff, but improve the quality of working environment those staff operate in.

A great deal of discussion was had during the design phase to manage the balance between open plan and close offices. There were many lessons learnt from this project as we worked with staff to meet and exceed their expectations.

Significant effort was also placed on natural light and airflow to create spaces designed for the human condition.

With a tight budget, the project also aimed to use every dollar as efficiently as possible. We look forward to sharing some of the lessons learnt.

STATUS

Complete

DESCRIPTION

Conwell Architects was approached by South Yarra Cricket Club to investigate opportunities to design a second sports stand to the Como Park facility. Como park has two ovals side by side and while one oval is serviced by a symmetrical brick clubhouse, the remaining oval means players and spectators are without protection from the elements. This second stand facilitates the seating and viewing of sports and events on the oval sufficient for two teams + spectators. The design looks to present a contemporary form that does not try to emulate the existing art-deco notes of the main clubhouse, but make reference to it via material and symmetry.

The stand has been unofficially coined ‘The Gideon Haigh Stand’, in reference to the South Yarra CC stalwart and journalist. www.gideonhaigh.com

The local municipal, The City of Stonnington, is currently reviewing the park’s masterplan. We hope the stand will feature in the planning of the park in order to service the people that enjoy it’s qualities every weekend.

STATUS

Feasibility

DESCRIPTION

The NCC Aquatic Centre is currently in feasibility in order to ascertain the best possible outcome for students and the College. An undulating site creates both challenges and opportunities for views, site placement and integration into the College masterplan.

The ultimate goal is to provide both students and the local community a aquatic training facility to advance aquatic education and skills.

STATUS

Feasibility

DESCRIPTION

The NCC Early Swimmers is an aquatic education facility to aid the teaching of safe practice to those learning to swim. The facility combines with the existing Early Learners centre which provides aquatic education as part of its curriculum.

In addition to this, the facility operates as a community pool allowing early swimmers of all ages to gain aquatic confidence and skills.

The building is clad with a folded perforated aluminium screen creating a dynamic façade featuring shadow, transparency and varying texture.

STATUS

Complete

PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Burrows Photographer

DESCRIPTION

After 30 years, it was time for a renovation and expansion of the current classroom stock at the NCC Junior School. 12 Classrooms were extended and remodelled across 3 buildings with new circulation and storage spaces added.

The project created opportunities to inject colour into the campus providing wayfinding and interest for both students and visitors alike.

DESCRIPTION

Stage 6 of the Gulf CC campus features a covered multi-ball court with attached change rooms and storage facilities. The project will offer the students of GCC new levels of physical education opportunities while being protected from the elements.

Bold colour expresses each portal frame to highlight structural elements.

The project will double as a community facility brining access to covered sports courts to the immediate and surrounding regional areas.

STATUS

Under Construction

DESCRIPTION

The Year 7 Flying Start project was brought about through a scheme to assist High Schools introduce year 7 students into the high school environment. The project comprises to two GLA classrooms split between a shared outdoor flexible learning space. The space creates a micro hub for the youngest students in the high school to provide a sense of safety and belonging.

The project uses vision between these spaces to control passive survelance and connection, combined with a strong connection into the scenic surrounding landscape.

STATUS

Complete

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cameron Conwell

DESCRIPTION

Stage 7 of the GCC campus entail renovation, conversion and expansion of an existing teaching space into a Home EC room, along with a new Campus library and two additional teaching spaces.

This work completes a 'bookend' of the campus and provides the College with great facilities for educating well rounded students for many years to come.

STATUS

Under Construction

DESCRIPTION

Stage 5 of the Normanton Campus was the first work associated with the College Middle School. The project added specialised education facilities to allow the College to grow into providing education to older year levels.

The project consists of a Science laboratory, Chemical prep and store room, toilet facilities, outdoor spaces and a manual arts workshop and store. Care has been taken to maintain green space, breeze ways and site openings for both visual and environmental benefit.

STATUS

Complete

DESCRIPTION

Wisdom College - Stage 2.5, is the first in a ten stage masterplan which looks to sustainably develop an emerging campus in Brisbane’s urban south fringe. This stage features three GLA classrooms, a store/IT room and a covers sports court to provide much needed permanent teaching space and student all weather amenity.

STATUS

Under Construction

DESCRIPTION

The Trade Skills Centre was born out of a State initative to provide trade training facilities to secondary schools in QLD.  The College chose to focus on hospitality to equip students with employable skills in a prominent local industry.

The Trade Skills Centre is a Commercial Pastry/ Baking kitchen and Retail café attached to a function room and outdoor deck. A significant design change was required at the 11th hour resulting in a new entry arrangement. In turn, this created an opportunity to provide a gernerous formal entry to the function space, allowing for the facility to be used for public functions and events.

Colour, perspective and material were all devices used to aid the uninitiated visitor to the entry door deep into the site.

STATUS:

Complete

PHOTOGRAPHY

Cameron Conwell

It has been a tremendous honour for Conwell Architects to be selected to partner with Christian University of Australia and take the first steps of initiating a concept Masterplan for the proposed campus site in Maroochydore.

We have been working closely with the University along with the landowner [Peter Wise], to create a plan that is intrinsically linked to place. We look forward to developing this concept further with the stakeholders to ensure a long term sustainable development plan for this key piece of education infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.

“Conwell Architects have captured the heart of the vision for this proposed university in their traditional campus master plan. Intricate design implemented to preserve the natural environment has been the driving force underlying the conceptual process.

Before the first creative thoughts were dreamt, Cameron and Kirsty from Conwell Architects met with Peter Wise on the Wises Road land to hear the stories of this special place. They sought to learn of Peter's passion for the land, and the history the soil held. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, the Conwell team know the significance of this opportunity being granted to us.

Extensive research and prayer inspired this Spirit-breathed master plan. We wholeheartedly believe that not one stone has been overlooked. The plan includes consideration of student accommodation, a chapel, the use of outdoor spaces, sports and recreational facilities, multi-level car-parking, and buildings strategically positioned to interfere with the natural environment as little as possible.

Praise the Lord as He continues to reassure us of His ceaseless faithfulness!

Please stand with us as we believe that the Lord will provide the financial resources we need to purchase the land and see the dream of this campus become a reality.“

More via the link:

https://www.christianuniversityforaustralia.org.au/traditional-multi-acre-campus.html

DESCRIPTION

Conwell Architects have been involved in the NCC campus in various capacities for many years, and were recently commissioned to revisit the Masterplan. The growth on the campus over time has been influenced by student numbers, local population growth, topography and vegetation. The study not only looked at potential opportunities for the future, but investigated the various pedestrian and vehicle circulation patterns over the campus.

A goal of the plan is to create education precincts and a pedestrian pathway hierarchy from which staff and students can traverse between destinations.

Beyond these concepts, the study identified opportunities for the future - particularly looking at ways to engage the local community while providing students with standout education delivery facilities.

DESCRIPTION

Conwell Architects were commissioned to develop a campus masterplan for a Brisbane College whom recently purchased the neighbouring property. An extensive consultation process followed to find balance between density, affordability and level of student amenity.

Studies were undertaken to investigate impact on neighbourhood traffic, ecology and the local waterway. The final solution is one that takes all these factors into account which leaves a large portion of the site untouched.

As the density of our cities increases, we are faced with designing education facilities that respond accordingly. This study delved into some of these issues along with the economy of an independent organisation funding a staged expansion over a number of years / stages.

STATUS

Approvals

DESCRIPTION

Conwell Architects were approached to breathe new life into a heritage property in Hawthorn, Melbourne. The home had been lived in by the same family for 50 years but was in need of modernising and extensive renovations both inside and out – requiring a sensitive touch to bring it back to its former glory.

Our vision for the rear living area addition was to provide a feeling of delight in all seasons, a reflection of our courageous client. By responding to changing light conditions diurnally and seasonally, we designed a faceted roof plane that allows controlled natural light to play on its surface that change with the time of day.

The plan is simple and functional, with cleverly integrated technology to create comfort and security. Floor to ceiling windows give views to the landscape beyond, creating a seamless connection between internal and external living.

STATUS

Under Construction

DESCRIPTION

This compact unit undertook a renovation to address several failings of previous work. New paint and floor finishes throughout enabled a light white and pale timber approach to make the most of the generous natural light and northern aspect. Key elements were highlighted in dark colours such as a prominent timber beam in the living space, along with fixtures in the bathrooms. 

Although having a small footprint, this light approach helped the apartment to feel larger by allowing the outside in.

STATUS

Complete

DESCRIPTION:

The Designer Dunny competition was run to seek ideas of potential rest stop located in the small town of Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The scheme places repeating structural elements in the landscape referencing local rail infrastructure seen in the region's past. These repeating elements create a sculptural element for vehicles passing at speed, while the user experiences the drama of occupying the centre of these elements in the journey to the destination. The long ramp provides adequate flood avoidance levels.

Each structural element is illuminated at night creating a striking sculpture in the landscape by night.